Anisa Cole with RISE Faculty mentor Dr. Sultana
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (November 15, 2024) Anisa Cole, a junior biology major at Prairie View A&M University, is contributing to groundbreaking research in tissue engineering as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Naznin Sultana, PhD, through the Faculty Research and Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Program. The research centers on developing biocompatible 3D scaffolds, using biopolymers such as chitosan and pectin, and incorporating vitamins and iron to enhance scaffold functionality and support tissue growth.
During her time in the RISE Program, Cole has achieved significant milestones, including contributing to a forthcoming book chapter that has strengthened her scientific writing skills. She shared her research experiences at the 2024 Faculty RISE kickoff event, where she spoke as the Student Government Association’s Vice President of Research and Development. Cole’s long-term goal is to bridge her passions for science, medicine, and youth education by pursuing an MD-PhD program.
Recently, Cole was one of only nine students selected for the Harvard/MIT Equitable Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Program. The HEART program’s dedication to equitable access in science and medicine aligns with Cole’s aspirations. Her commitment to research, patient care, and inclusivity highlights the transformative impact of PVAMU’s Faculty RISE Program and her goal to serve underserved communities as a physician-scientist.
The Faculty RISE Program, an initiative created by Prairie View A&M University’s Vice President of Research and Innovation, Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., invests in critical research and innovation domains. It fosters collaboration across disciplines among PVAMU faculty, students, and University partners.